The total count of victims due to the freight aircraft that burst into flames and crashed has now climbed to 13, as confirmed by official statements.
City Leader's Statement
Traveling to the Union’s memorial service, I learned of a 13th person that died as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” expressed the municipal leader in a public communication. “My prayers is with the relatives, friends and co-workers of all who were killed in this week’s disaster. We will overcome this as one.”
Victims Confirmed
A release from the company listed the flight crew on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts go out to every staff member who has been touched and all in our Louisville area – supporting you and making sure you receive the attention and resources you need is our priority,” the organization’s message stated.
Investigation Details
Federal authorities disclosed that the UPS cargo plane’s port side wing caught fire and an engine fell off shortly after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, leading to the jet to plummet and erupt into a blaze.
The NTSB announced it is probing the jet’s service record, which was in the state for repairs several weeks prior to the incident.
Aircraft data indicated the jet was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas from early September to mid-October.
“We are aware that this jet was located in San Antonio,” remarked an NTSB member on later, without providing a exact period. “We will review each aspect of maintenance that was completed, including the Texas visit, all the way to the time of the journey.”
Findings of Key Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and information unit were recovered, and the engine was found on the tarmac.
The recorders – referred to as black boxes – were constructed to endure crash impacts and severe fire from fires, and they appeared to be intact when located among the crash debris. Investigators will analyzing information from the black boxes.
The plane’s final flight details showed an elevation of 475 ft and a rate of 210 miles per hour ahead of the crash.
Maintenance Record
Based on Federal Aviation Administration documents from last month, a fissure on a structural piece within the center wing fuel tank required repairs.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which stated it supplies structural repairs for the carrier’s MD-11 and manages a repair facility in that city, chose not to provide remarks, but stated it would assist completely when investigators reached out it.
Activities Restart
At the same time, the facility operations continued that evening with its express or night sort process, official a representative confirmed. All three landing strips at the aviation hub were also reopened.
The UPS package handling facility in Louisville is the company’s biggest. The center hires over a large number of workers in the region, manages 300 trips each day and processes over a huge volume of packages an hour.
Public Reaction
A memorial was conducted on the evening of that date by the local Teamsters Union, which acts for workers at the airfield, the firm’s primary shipping facility.
Worker representatives, which represents employees, began the vigil with a period of reflection at the evening hour, the approximate hour of the accident previously.
“This event was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the mayor told the group of attendees. “No one had a opportunity to say goodbye to each of those who we have said farewell to.”
